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Posted on: September 8, 2016

Co-Defendants Sapien and Monroy Sentenced to 30 years for Robbery and Murder of Local Pastor

September 8, 2016

PHOENIX— Jaime Norberto Sapien (D.O.B. 08/16/1984) and Jesse Armando Monroy (D.O.B. 05/14/1976) each received a total sentence of 30years in the Department of Corrections for the 2015 burglary and murder of a 53-year-old pastor who worked at a Phoenix outreach center. Both Sapien and Monroy were sentenced to 25 years with no early release for 2nd degree murder and 5 years for 1st degree burglary.

“Today’s sentence is a just response to the actions of these defendants, who showed a complete disregard for the life and safety of innocent people in a home and caused the death of another human being,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “This also shows that the actions of both defendants, regardless of who possessed the deadly weapon, will be held to the same standard of accountability.”

On February 27, 2015 at approximately 8:30 p.m., defendants Sapien and Monroy entered the Phoenix residence of the victim believing there was a safe with money inside. They went to a back bedroom where they found the victim and witnesses said after hearing an argument between the three men they heard gun shots. The victim was later found dead with a gunshot wound to his stomach. The men then held a second resident at gun point, taking several belongings while a third resident hid in another room. The two defendants then left the home and were arrested a few days later.

A third defendant in this case, Nichole Coble, who drove Sapien and Monroy to the home the night of the murder, has entered a plea on the 2nd Degree Murder charge. Her sentencing is currently set for October 26, 2016.